The story

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid surprised Republicans on Monday by offering them a chance to vote this week on four GOP-backed amendments to an energy bill, including one that would expand offshore oil drilling.

The Senate has been gridlocked for days on the bill -- which would attempt to curb speculation in the oil futures market -- as both parties argued over which amendments will be put to a vote.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, said he was "very encouraged" by Reid's proposal, but McConnell added he would have to confer with his leadership team. Read full article »